Boston College linebacker Luke Kuechly goes No. 9 to Carolina

Dan Duggan Thursday, April 26, 2012

Boston College linebacker Luke Kuechly is headed to Carolina, as the Panthers selected him with the ninth pick in the draft. The middle linebacker had an incredible three-year career at BC, setting school and ACC career tackle records. Kuechly's stock improved when his work at the combine matched up with the on-field production. He's not particularly flashy, but has a combination of skill and intelligence that should lead to a long and successful NFL career.

Other notable picks from the Patriots perspective were No. 7 Mark Barron to Tampa Bay and No. 8 Ryan Tannehill to Miami. Barron, a safety from Alabama, was a dream pick for many Patriots fans but the Bucs snatched him. Tannehill joins the AFC East out of Texas A&M. A converted wide receiver, Tannehill's stock rose leading up to the draft.